ADA Confirms Revised Timeline for TEDBF, Pushing Service Introduction to Late 2030s, Citing Rigorous Testing and Design Refinements

The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) has announced a significant update to the development schedule of the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter (TEDBF), confirming that the aircraft is now expected to enter service with the Indian Navy in 2038.

This revised timeline represents a delay of several years compared to initial projections and is attributed to a reassessment of the program's milestones and development process.

The TEDBF is a critical element of India's future naval aviation capabilities, intended to replace the aging Sea Harrier fleet and complement the existing MiG-29K fighters. Designed specifically for aircraft carrier operations, the TEDBF is expected to provide the Indian Navy with enhanced performance, improved survivability, and greater operational flexibility.

According to ADA, the next major milestone for the TEDBF program is anticipated clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), expected by 2026. This CCS clearance will be crucial in securing the necessary funding and governmental approval to proceed with the program.

The first flight of the TEDBF, initially anticipated earlier, is now projected to occur between 2029 and 2030. This delay is attributed to several factors, including the need for design refinements, integration of advanced systems, and rigorous testing to meet the demanding requirements of naval operations. Despite the delay, the first flight will be a significant achievement, demonstrating the aircraft's capabilities and paving the way for further development.

Following its maiden flight, the TEDBF will undergo extensive testing, design iterations, and integration with Indian Navy assets, including aircraft carriers. The projected service entry date of 2038 marks a considerable shift from earlier estimates, primarily due to the complexities associated with developing an advanced naval fighter that can withstand the rigors of carrier-based operations.

The TEDBF is envisioned as a twin-engine, multirole aircraft capable of fulfilling a variety of missions, including air superiority and precision strikes, while operating from India's next-generation aircraft carriers. Equipped with advanced avionics, weapon systems, and extended range, the TEDBF will offer enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessors, particularly in terms of survivability and effectiveness in contested airspace.

This revised timeline underscores the ADA's commitment to ensuring the TEDBF meets the highest standards of performance and reliability, ultimately providing the Indian Navy with a cutting-edge fighter aircraft for decades to come.

 

[Capt Mahendra]

No sense of urgency there. ADA is treating this program as a jobs and benefit program.

They're not concerned about the imminent threat from our enemies. They expect our defence forces to have magic' to win waars not realtime weapons and aircrafts to defend the ever hounding enemies flocking all around our country like jackals with the addition of Bangladesh also with support from Pakistan and China. And our ADA is taking 15 years to rigours testing where as China builds from concept to delivery Just 10 years. God only can save this country with this chalta hai attitude.

 

[kunites]

ADA is out of its wits planning for TEDF, which is a 4.5 gen aircraft to enter service in 2038, makes no sense. The world will be flying 6th gen aircraft by then. It will be better to invest in AMCA naval version.

 

[Andy13]

That's bcoz GOI cancelled the 3rd IAC. Now with Rafales coming in, this is not as urgent as IAFs requirements.

 

[Mridul baruah]

IAF chief said that they were promised to get 11 Tejas MK1A ready minus the engine by now...and there is not even a single mk1a ready with full features. These PSUs only know excuses... the TEDBF won't be ready till 2045... mark my words.

 

[Avada kedavra]

Recalibration, adjustment, significant shift, updated time bla bla bla....

Using fancy words to hide something that HAL and ADA are best known for: delays, delays, delays!

They say the delay is due to further refinement in the design... I'm like over 70% of the design is a copy-paste of Rafale anyway. So why do they need more time to "refine" the design?

 

[Rokuth]

To be realistic, add 5 more years. It would be good if they used non-US engines. Maybe derated AL31FPs.

Those engines would be too big for the TEDBF in its current form. I believe the fighter is supposed to use the GE F414 engines which is smaller in dimensions as compared to the AL31FP engines. If you are looking for a Russian equivalent engine for the TEDBF, then it would be the Klimov RD-33MK engines as used on the MiG-35. Other possible alternatives are the Eurojet EJ200, or the Snecma M88 engines. Then there is the Kaveri engine, if they get all the bugs fixed by the time the TEDBF is ready to fly.

 

[Gururag Kalanidhi]

Would've made more sense if the Navy just pressed ahead with a squadron on NLCA. But no, they had to call the world's lightest fighter 'overweight' for carrier operations.

 

[Koorma]

The period between final clearance and actual delivery is too long. It should be one year at the most. Which means that the serial production facilities and logistics must be planned way ahead, even before the testing phase it must be ready.

 

[Bikramjeet Goswami]

Shut down Tejas Mk 1A, Tejas Mk 2, and TEDBF. They are going nowhere. Concentrate all people and resources on AMCA.

Buy Gripen E or F-16 as a stopgap and bring their expertise on AMCA development as an offset deal.

 

[ekalavya]

India was once enslaved by foreigners for 800 years. It seems most of the people in India has forgotten that and this is the result of it. They are preparing India for an invasion. An invasion which they want India to loose. They don't realize that their children and women will get enslaved. They think everything will be hunky dory meanwhile their enemies are upgrading even when half their country is starving.